My name is John Kevin Rabaño. I was born and raised in Argao, Cebu, and I live in Butong, Argao with my parents, Hermogilda Rabaño and Dioscoro Rabaño. We are a small family of three, living a simple life in the province near the forest. Our main source of income comes from planting vegetables and raising animals like cows and other livestock.Being the only child, I grew up spoiled. I often fought with my parents, and I know I made them cry many times—probably more than fifty. There were even times when I threw stones at them out of anger. But at the same time, I was also a playful child. Because our house was quiet and I was always alone, I loved to roam around (“laag”) and explore.
After finishing elementary, my mother bought me a motorcycle when I was in Grade 8. Around that time, I also became addicted to computer games. Despite being stubborn and playful, I still managed to continue my studies and remained a consistent honor student.
When the pandemic came, my mother bought me a cellphone. That’s when I became addicted to mobile games. I stopped helping my mother with chores and even stopped serving as a sakristan in church. Still, I managed to finish Grade 10.
I tried to apply at Argao National High School, but I wasn’t accepted. I thought of studying at UC (University of Cebu), but my mother refused because tuition fees were expensive and her income could not support it. I cried and got upset, but my mother asked my grandmother’s sibling if I could stay with them so I could continue face-to-face classes. With God’s grace, they agreed.
Living in the city changed me a lot. Life there was different compared to the mountains, where I was spoiled and overly cared for. After about half a year, I realized how difficult it was to live far away from my mother, but I also became more mature and learned many lessons. I am very thankful to my nanay for her guidance and advice. Even though I’m still a little spoiled today, it’s not as bad as before.
Later, I graduated Senior High School. I was disappointed that I didn’t receive any honors, but I was still grateful because what mattered most was that I graduated. Before finishing senior high, I also took the CTU Main Campus entrance exam, but I was disqualified because I didn’t finish answering. That time, I went home crying. But I didn’t give up—I was determined to study in a public school because I didn’t want my mother to struggle with tuition again.
I even created a second account (even if it wasn’t allowed) just to apply again to CTU. With some luck, I passed. I wanted to take Engineering, but my mother advised me to study in Argao because of our financial situation. I wanted the city because of more opportunities, but I also understood her. My mother was a barangay councilor (konsehal) before, but her term ended when I was in Grade 12, so our finances became tighter.
I also tried applying at CITE Inc. in Talamban, but I didn’t pass. Because of this, I looked for scholarship opportunities everywhere—on Facebook, Google, and even TikTok. I applied to several scholarships like the Provincial Scholarship, CHED, Gokongwei, Landbank, and others.
One day, while checking the CTU portal, I saw a post about a scholarship. At first, I thought it was a scam, but after researching, I found out it was real. The office was in Legaspi Street, close to where I stayed. I went there, took the exam (which was in English), and honestly struggled with grammar. I even answered in “Bisaya-English wrong grammar.” I thought I had no chance, but I still prayed.
To my surprise, I was called for an interview. I was so happy because I never expected it. During the interview, I spoke in broken English, but Ate Charvee and Sir Kenneth were kind and understanding. What I thought would be embarrassing turned into a fun and meaningful experience.
Fast forward, I was officially accepted as a KFF Foundation Scholar. That moment truly changed my life.
Now, I’ve been a KFF scholar for almost three years while pursuing my course, Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics. It has been such a wonderful experience, teaching me leadership, responsibility, financial management, and how to deal with people. We also do book reporting and different activities that helped me grow as a student and as a person. Most importantly, my fellow scholars became like a second family to me.
Looking back, I realize how spoiled and stubborn I once was, but also how much I have grown. I am very thankful to God, to my parents, and to the KFF Foundation for guiding me to where I am today.
